Professional Development News - System-Wide Cognia Accreditation
Professional Development News: CCS Begins Cognia Accreditation Journey
Catholic Community Schools is excited to announce that we have begun the process of becoming accredited as a system through Cognia, a global nonprofit that partners with schools to support continuous improvement. Cathedral has been Cognia-accredited for almost 100 years, the longest accreditation served by Cognia in the state, and most of our elementaries are accredited by MNSAA. This, however, marks our first time pursuing accreditation as a unified school system.
What Accreditation Brings to CCS
Accreditation provides an independent, research-based measure of quality and demonstrates our commitment to excellence. More importantly, it positions Catholic Community Schools to grow and improve not only as individual schools but as a system. The Cognia seal is respected worldwide, strengthening the value of our students’ diplomas while ensuring we continually evaluate and improve our practices.
What is the process?
The accreditation process includes four major steps. We are currently on the first step:
Self-Assessment – Our principals and leadership teams are working through Cognia’s four key characteristics: Culture of Learning, Leadership for Learning, Engagement of Learning, and Growth in Learning. This stage also includes reviewing important policies and procedures, school safety practices, handbooks, and family/staff/student engagement through surveys.
Engagement Review – Cognia will analyze our evidence and feedback against its rigorous performance standards.
Progress – Midway through the accreditation term, we’ll submit a progress report to ensure we remain on track.
Accreditation – When our Engagement Review is complete, the Cognia Global Commission will review our findings and—if standards are met—officially confer accreditation.
Who participates?
This is a system-wide effort. Principals, teachers, staff, students, and families will all have a voice.
Parents: please look in your inbox in early November for a survey and take a few minutes to complete it. Your feedback will be essential in shaping the future of Catholic Community Schools.
What is the outcome?
The process culminates in the creation of a strategic plan for Catholic Community Schools—a roadmap that will guide our growth, strengthen our culture of learning, and ensure that all parts of our system are working together to meet the needs of every learner.
We look forward to keeping you updated as this important journey unfolds. Thank you in advance for your participation in the surveys and for supporting Catholic Community Schools in building a stronger future together.
Learn more about Cognia:
https://www.cognia.org/accreditation/
